Microsoft is finally bringing end-to-end encryption to Skype

MICROSOFT IS FINALLY bringing end-to-end encryption to Skype through a partnership with Open Whisper Systems.

The new feature, called Skype Private Conversations, will encrypt audio calls and text conversations, along with images, audio and video files sent via the service.

Microsoft will be using the Open Whisper Systems’s open-source Signal Protocol to encrypt these communications. This is the same protocol used by Facebook for WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, by Google for the Allo app and for the Edward Snowden-approved Signal Private Messenger.

“At Signal, our goal is to make private communication simple and ubiquitous With hundreds of millions of active users, Skype is one of the most popular applications in the world, and we’re excited that Private Conversations in Skype will allow more users to take advantage of Signal Protocol’s strong encryption properties for secure communication,” Signal said in a blog post announcing the partnership.

Ellen Kilbourne, manager of the Skype Insider Program, explained: “Give it a try by selecting ‘New Private Conversation’ from the compose menu or from the recipient’s profile. After the recipient accepts your invite, all calls and messages in that conversation will be encrypted end-to-end until you choose to end it.

It’s worth noting, however, that end-to-end encryption will only work if you’re talking another person also using a Skype Insider app, and encrypted video calls and group chats are not yet supported.

Private Conversations also won’t sync across devices, which means if you start an encrypted chat with a contact on your phone, you won’t see it logged on your computer.

Microsoft plans a full rollout of Skype Private Conversations later this year. µ

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